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Dirks continuing to deal with hamstring strain

Dirks continuing to deal with hamstring strain

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Andy Dirks

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DETROIT -- A day-night doubleheader early in the season is challenging enough on most Major League rosters. For the Tigers, though, Andy Dirks' left hamstring injury made it tougher for Jim Leyland to manage.

Under warmer weather, Leyland said, Dirks might have been available to pinch-hit, though running would've been a concern. Saturday's cooler conditions, with a first-pitch temperature of 43 degrees for Game 1, ruled that out for Leyland.

"He might be able to pinch-hit [Sunday]," Leyland said. "The prognosis is after Monday, he'll be full-go."

With Dirks out, Brennan Boesch -- who turned his left ankle in his final at-bat Thursday night -- served as the designated hitter in the opener against the Rangers, which the Tigers lost, 10-4. Ryan Raburn played right field. Miguel Cabrera was the designated hitter for Saturday's nightcap, with Boesch returning to right.

Look for Prince Fielder to get a game as the DH on Sunday as a way to get him off his feet for part of the day.